How are Bears different for rematch?

Will De’Vondre Campbell play Sunday?

He’s eligible to come off the COVID list on Friday, and LaFleur on Monday sounded optimistic about his chances of being cleared then. He said Campbell would be involved in all the defensive meetings via Zoom this week.

Mike, just wanted to thank you for the extra WYMM regarding Donald.

Yeah, I figured what the heck. I focused on the defensive line in the original WYMM off the Rams game, but when I went through the offensive film, some of that stuff vs. Donald was pretty interesting, especially on the one TD drive.

Besides execution, what changes do you think could be made to elevate all phases of GB’s special teams?

Coverage-wise, they’re doing fine for the most part. Obviously we know the FG unit has been a struggle. How do they get something from the return game? I don’t think there’s any magic schematics they’re going to pull out. Mo Drayton constantly harps on the techniques and assignments, and he’s counting on his guys to keep improving and provide a boost. The weather will be a big factor with catching punts from here on out, though, except Week 18 at Detroit.

With Cobb injured, will this be the week Equanimeous St. Brown really breaks out in the pass game ? I know they love his blocking in the run game.

St. Brown has proven he will be ready when called upon, so if Cobb isn’t back and St. Brown’s role increases, the coaches know he’ll be mentally prepared for however they want to use him.

Any thoughts on the Badgers playing Arizona State in the Vegas Bowl, given their history?

It’s been a bad trip down memory lane to re-watch the video of the end of that game out west 9 years ago. What a debacle.

So I’m guessing the Lions won’t just lay over and let us rub their bellies after what they showed against MN? 🙂

Dan Campbell has those guys playing hard every week. Sure, they’ve taken a few on the chin, but most of their games this year have been decided in the fourth quarter. There is truth to teams learning how to win, and that goes for everyone — players, coaches, etc.

There’s been a lot of II talk about the center facing the defense in the huddle. I wonder if that plays a role in the Packers catching the defense w/ 12 men.

I doubt it. I think that’s mostly Rodgers.

Thoughts on the Bears D sans Mack?

That’s a huge missing piece. Akiem Hicks is always a monster in the middle and he wasn’t healthy during the first meeting. He played, but you could see he reinjured his groin at one point. When he’s healthy, he’s a tough customer. But that defense isn’t the same without Mack.

Regarding going for 2 with no time left. I wanted McCarthy to do the same in the playoff loss to Arizona a few years back. They were being out played throughout the 4th quarter so, i didn’t like their chances in OT. Would you agree?

A lot of folks have talked about that. Janis hurt his back on the Hail Mary and the way McCarthy described it, based on the personnel available, he wasn’t confident in a 2-point call right at that moment, so he kicked it. To me, it was totally understandable.

Since Rodgers has tested for positive for Covid, is not subject to be put on the Covid-19 list again for how long? Will it last until after the SB?

His testing exemption ends in early February, between the NFC title game and Super Bowl, I believe.

The packers still need to declare Za’Darius Smith and Jaire eligible to practice upon return from IR, right? Are we at a full roster right now?

Yes, they do. The roster is currently at 52 I think. But players coming back from IR have a roster exemption period where they can practice before being officially activated to the 53.

What does Dalton provide for the Bears that Fields does not and vice-versa.

Dalton provides experience. Fields has the running threat. But I don’t think their offense scheme-wise changes much with either QB.

What does the weather forecast look like for Sunday night? With 3 more home games, I sure hope there’s some cold temps

Mid-30s on Sunday during the day, dropping into high teens for a low. So it’ll probably be in the 20s most of Sunday night’s game.

Mike, what’s the Bears’ injury situation?

The one everybody’s focused on is the QB, whether Fields will be back. Otherwise, I’ll be looking at their injury report when we get the first one later today because I really don’t know.

Cardinals has a tough stretch and Tampa only has 1 tough opponent left how do you like our chances at the first round bye?

If Tampa doesn’t lose to Buffalo next week, I think the Bucs will finish 14-3. I do think the Cardinals will lose at least one more. But I don’t think the Packers can afford any more losses, frankly.